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Rookie is an online magazine and book series for teenagers. Each month, a different editorial theme drives the writing, photography, and artwork that we publish. Learn more about us here, and find out how to submit your work here!

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Britney

Winter break started off great: I relaxed, I went to different places in the city, I caught up on my writing. The break is almost over now, and I don’t want it to end. Eighth grade is too stressful. I have a ton of homework still to do, misogynistic tormenters waiting for me, and an ex-best friend who isn’t talking to me over something that isn’t worth fighting about. Everything feels like too much to handle at once. I feel a bit like Sisyphus. Every time I think that I’m finished dealing with constant worry and conflicts, everything just rolls back to me again. In addition to all of that, I’m also anxious about hearing what high schools I was accepted to next month.

I hung out with some of my best friends today, which was a huge relief. We roamed around Park Slope, thrifting, eulogizing single gloves found in the street, making pit stops in grocery stores for chocolate and snacks. It was hours of bliss. I wish I could feel that way more. But now I have homework to do. ♦

My personal philosophy has always been that having one close best friend is better than having a bunch of friends. And having a few best friends that are your best friends for different reasons is Literally the Best Thing Ever. Especially when said friends happen to be Potterheads, Sherlockians, Whovians and Hitchhikers.

moonchildJanuary 2nd, 20139:20 PM

TRUTH.

MegWJanuary 2nd, 20139:24 PM

I agree! I share a lot of nerdy things with my very best friend. (She recently turned me into a Whovian!)

DANNIJanuary 2nd, 20138:26 PM

i always feel like i under-appreciate my friends and it’s really awkward because there’s no handbook that tells you the right amount of gratitude to show and what’s kissing ass and what’s not.

and to anyone that’s like ‘scoff eighth grade is nothing’, as a fellow nyc eighth grader going to a ‘gifted and talented’ school (aw, how cute), IT IS INTENSELY STRESSFUL. (i think i can speak for britney on this) OUR FATE IS BEING REVEALED IN FEBRUARY! the high schools admissions process is a huge deal, and so are accelerated classes and every snooty-nosed fart that’s like ‘omg 96 is a fail’ when you’re sitting at your desk with a big fat 96 in front of you. (maybe that is just at my school) (yeah)

makeawish3653January 2nd, 20138:48 PM

Nandi, your entries make me smile :D

babyybatJanuary 2nd, 20139:09 PM

nandi, you are amazing, d-dawg.

ErynJanuary 2nd, 20139:12 PM

Caitlin, I love your diary, as always. Naomi, you write so beautifully! And Chris, best friend appreciation is great! I think I’ll write mine a sappy text now! Katherine, escaping to the wilderness sounds nice right about now. Britney, I sinccerely wish you the best with friends and school! Nandi, your entry made me laugh out loud.